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University of Wyoming (Student)

Wyoming STARTALK Arabic Camp: Arabian Nights

Language(s)

Arabic

Grade Level(s)

9-12, Undergraduate

Date(s)

July 22, 2018 – August 11, 2018

Location(s)

University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

Program Setting

Residential

Summary

The Wyoming STARTALK Arabic Camp for 2018 will enthrall Wyoming and other Rocky Mountain front range high school and junior college students with visions and experiences of Arabian Nights. The same kind of intrigue and mystique surrounding the popular tales will take on a modern spin by whisking students through contemporary experiences of evening and night activities in various countries in the Middle East around which are structured valuable language learning experiences rich with culture and anecdotal information that will necessarily reinforce language acquisition. We will provide opportunities for 24 students to explore the rich culture of the Middle East as experienced through cultural engagements by equipping these students with the necessary vocabulary and conversational skills to navigate successfully through various simulations recreating cultural experiences. Students will reach the Novice-Mid level of proficiency.

Contact(s)

BYU (Student)

BYU STARTALK Arabic Camp

Language(s)

Arabic

Grade Level(s)

9-12, Undergraduate

Date(s)

June 25, 2018 – July 14, 2018: (Face-to-face)

Location(s)

Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

Program Setting

Residential

Summary

The BYU Arabic STARTALK Camp is designed to light the fire of motivation in students as they experience that they can learn a lot of Arabic language and culture in just three weeks. Our theme, “Avicenna’s Astrolabe,” centers on a collaborative mystery-solving game set in the present. Students are tasked to find an ancient cure to a deadly disease that threatens to decimate the modern world. The key to doing so is an astrolabe once held by the famous polymath, Ibn Sina (a.k.a. Avicenna). By exploring cities and talking to people from both the modern and medieval Arab world, students uncover the story of the astrolabe as it passed hands from civilization to civilization, while also finding clues leading them on to discover the cure they seek. In the process, students will internalize basic communication skills while also experiencing a variety of Arab cultures and historical perspectives that highlight the impact of Arabo-Islamic civilization on the West. They will also learn about past and present violent reactionary movements in the East and the West that manipulate religion to foment hate and gain power. Beginners get off to a great start and are well on their way to completing the equivalent of a year of high school Arabic (they receive credit for one semester and may complete the second online). We will again offer an option that will allow those who already know the Arabic script to complete a year of high school credit. Even more advanced students may receive credit for second-year high school Arabic. All will come away with a solid repertoire of pragmatic speaking and reading skills and gain significant hands-on experience with Arab culture. Students learn through doing. They live the language, learning to perform authentic tasks. They are immersed in music, films, games, cooking lessons, and visit a mosque and restaurant. Tutors are available day and night to act as role models and to help students of varying abilities and challenges succeed. World-class teachers are experienced in making learning fun and adjusting instruction to individual needs. Students practice and demonstrate their progress in role plays and in day-to-day living, which helps to build confidence. All students are urged to push on during the academic year with our award-winning distance-learning course that includes live support from tutors. Some former students who have done so have already distinguished themselves in follow-on abroad experience and realized the goal of acquiring advanced levels of proficiency in Arabic. BYU’s Arabic camp is a great springboard. Consider the example of Rachel, who participated in our 2014 camp: https://news.byu.edu/news/rubbing-elbows-un-diplomats-byu-students-win-i...

Contact(s)

California State University, Northridge (Student)

CSUN Russian Language & Culture Immersion Program

Language(s)

Russian

Grade Level(s)

Undergraduate

Date(s)

June 7, 2018 – July 13, 2018: (Face-to-face)

Location(s)

California State University, Northridge, Northridge, CA

Program Setting

Residential

Summary

The STARTALK Russian Language and Culture Immersion Program is designed to promote accelerated language learning with integrated knowledge of culture, protocols, and national identity in modern Russia. The program will admit 20 undergraduates from universities and community colleges across the nation, dividing cohorts into two proficiency tracks: Novice and Intermediate. Standards-based and thematically organized curriculum is programmed over five weeks of residential study with 270 hours of structured learning: 125 hours of in-class instruction; 105 hours of self-directed learning activities; and 40 hours of weekend cultural enrichment activities. Participants typically advance one to two ACTFL tiers in language proficiency.

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About STARTALK

STARTALK is a project funded by the National Security Agency and administered by the National Foreign Language Center at the University of Maryland. STARTALK’s mission is to increase the number of U.S. citizens learning, speaking, and teaching critical-need foreign languages, with programs for students (K-16) and teachers. MORE